Table Storage

What it is: A storage-filled, flea market-style coffee table that's both decorative and practical.

How to make it: Create this storage-filled table by topping four vintage produce bins with an old tabletop and resting everything on a plywood slab outfitted with casters.

Pocket Protector

What it is: Magazine pockets for organizing stacks of periodicals.

How to make it: Cover a piece of plywood with upholstery-weight fabric. Cut strips of fabric long enough to be wrapped around the board and wide enough to be folded in half lengthwise to create a pocket deep enough to hold magazines; hem as desired. Fold the strips in half lengthwise and wrap around the sides of the board with the folded edge facing downward. Secure the ends of the fabric to the back of the board with staples. Keep the top layer stapled a bit looser than the bottom layer so that the pouch can accommodate a few magazines. Finish the edges with wood trim.

Two in One

What it is: A bar-height table with built-in organization made from bookcases and a prefab wood or laminate countertop.

How to make it: For a 36-inch-tall table, use 34-inch bookcases and a 2-inch-thick countertop. (Edge-glued wood tops are available in different sizes at big box stores.) The countertop should be the same width as the bookcase. Long countertops will need a center support. Attach the counter to the bookcases using L brackets.

Jewelry Organizer

What it is: A piece of art that also holds your favorite pieces of jewelry.

How to make it: Trim a metal radiator cover or wire screen to fit inside a frame. Stand it at the back of a dresser. Hook earrings through the grid and use small S hooks to hang other items

Wrapping Station

What it is: An all-in-one organization station for gift-wrapping essentials.

How to make it: Office accessories and bath necessities receive a unifying coat of spray paint and combine as a fabulous hang-anywhere wrapping station. A desk file mounted to the wall partners with a towel bar to stand gift-wrap rolls at attention, while S hooks suspend tools within arm’s reach.

Stacked Bath Storage

What it is: Simple wood crates unite to make fabulous bath storage.

How to make it: Reinforce stapled slats on the crates with screws. Paint or finish the crates as desired. Stack the crates together and attach with screws. Make sure your configuration has a sturdy base to support the crates above it. If you have children, use molly bolts to attach the crates to the wall.

Sweet Dreams Storage

What it is: Hymnal holders repurposed for bedside storage.

How to make it: Paint hymnal holders (available on ebay.com and other online auction sites) and attach them to the wall next to the bed. This space-saving alternative to a bedside table is perfect for quick, out of the way storage, especially for a bookworm.

Ladder Shelf

What it is: An old ladder extends storage space and adds vintage charm.

How to make it: Give a ladder a fresh coat of paint. Add old vent grates to each rung and simply screw them into place.

DIY Table Cover

What it is: Hidden bedside storage with a custom table cover.

How to make it: A custom slipcover is pretty, practical, and keeps boxes and bedroom belongings tucked out of the way. For instructions on how to make your own table cover, click the link below.

Mobile Shoe-Storage Unit

What it is: An easy-to-spot shoemobile you can customize to store and roll anywhere.

How to make it: Keep pairs of shoes together in clear containers and place on shelves with easy-to-attach wheels.

Storage Station

What it is: A bookcase outfitted with personalized storage buckets keeps entries clutter-free.

How to make it: Prime and paint buckets to match your decor. Adjust bookcase shelves to make room for the buckets. Secure name tags to the buckets with a metal fastener and use magnets to add to-do lists and messages.